While definition
A period or space of time.
A short while.
noun
As long as; during the time that.
It was lovely while it lasted.
conjunction
A period of time.
Stay for a while; sang all the while.
noun
To spend (time) idly or pleasantly.
While the hours away.
verb
While is defined as during or in a certain time.
An example of while is cookies baking during the same time that caramel is being made on the stove top.
conjunction
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While means a period of time.
An example of while is how long a person has to wait for to see the doctor.
noun
In spite of the fact that; although.
While that guitar may look nice, it's not a very good instrument.
conjunction
At the same time that.
While you're up, close the door.
conjunction
To spend (time) in a pleasant way; cause to pass idly.
To while away the afternoon.
verb
During the same time that.
He was sleeping while I was singing.
conjunction
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Whereas; and on the other hand.
The walls are green, while the ceiling is white.
conjunction
(north eng., archaic) Until.
preposition
An uncertain duration of time, a period of time.
He lectured for quite a long while.
noun
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As long as.
While you're at school you may live at home.
conjunction
But; however.
The soles are leather, while the uppers are canvas.
conjunction
During or throughout the time that.
We waited while she dined.
conjunction
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The time, effort, or trouble taken in doing something.
The project wasn't worth my while.
noun
(north eng., archaic) Until.
conjunction
Although on the one hand.
While he was not poor, he had no ready cash.
conjunction
between whiles
- now and then; at intervals
idiom
the while
- at the same time; during this very time
idiom
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worth someone's while
- worth someone's time, consideration, etc.; profitable in some way
idiom
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
Origin of while
- Middle English from Old English hwīl kweiə- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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From Wiktionary